Event helps dog rescue group

Eric Matthews always has had a soft spot for dogs. So when a representative of Heart of Niagara Animal Rescue asked him last year to support a fundraiser for the group, Matthews – an owner of Brickyard Pub & BBQ, Brio Pizzeria and Center Cut steakhouse in Lewiston – said yes.

Over the next year, Matthews adopted two rescued dogs through the group. Charmer is a Labrador retriever mix from Ohio. Bear is an Australian shepherd mix from Alabama. Both were brought to the Lewiston group from shelters that would have euthanized them.

Matthews used to exclusively have Bernese mountain dogs, which are purebred. “Expensive dogs, big dogs,” he said. “I still have one now.”

But a couple of years ago, Matthews decided he was done with purebreds. “There’s too many dogs out there to rescue,” he said. “I said, ‘If I get another dog, it’s going to be a rescue dog.’ ”

Harvey, a pointer mix, is one of the dogs saved by Heart of Niagara.

When Heart of Niagara asked Matthews for his help again this year, he wasn’t going to say no. Pulled pork sandwiches and Brunswick stew from Brickyard (432 Center St., Lewiston) and pizza from Brio (440 Center St., Lewiston) will join the tastings offered by 30 restaurants, bakeries, caterers and others at the event from noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 31 in the Conference and Event Center Niagara Falls (101 Old Falls St., Niagara Falls).